The Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Development, and Public Administration, José Antonio Nieto, together with the mayor of Lucena, Aurelio Fernández, and representatives from AFAR, held a meeting to analyze the opportunities that the expansion of artificial intelligence and data processing centers can generate for Lucena's business fabric, particularly in the cold industry.
José Antonio Nieto highlighted the strategic nature of this industry and its experience in digitalization, stating that refrigeration is essential for data centers. "Refrigeration is an essential element for the operation of data processing centers, and Lucena's cold sector can find an important market niche in this area," said the minister, emphasizing the knowledge and prestige of Lucena's companies to compete in a growing market.
The minister also addressed the state regulation on energy and environmental conditions for data centers, expressing the "concern of the Regional Government of Andalusia about requirements that are particularly difficult to meet in territories with climatic conditions like Andalusia." He advocated for efficiency and sustainability goals to be maintained but applied progressively and in step with technological evolution.
Nieto reported that Andalusia currently has about twenty data processing center projects in various stages of development, with significant associated investments. He stressed the opportunities for the auxiliary industry, such as efficient and reliable cooling systems, which would allow Lucena companies to participate in these projects and extend their solutions to international markets. He reiterated the need for Andalusia to have its own digital infrastructures to foster business growth and AI development.
Aurelio Fernández, mayor of Lucena, valued the city's participation in these technological scenarios, highlighting the adaptation and innovation capacity of the local cold industry. "The city has a leading sector, with a significant international presence and the ability to provide solutions for the new cooling needs associated with data processing centers," he stated.
The mayor emphasized that AI and data centers represent an opportunity for Lucena and its companies, and highlighted the importance of direct contact between administrations and the business community to anticipate changes and seize new growth opportunities.
For his part, Joaquín Alberto Peñalver, president of AFAR, thanked them for the meeting and expressed the sector's willingness to collaborate. "The sector's goal is to remain at the forefront, continue improving its efficiency and competitiveness, and leverage, alongside the administrations, the new opportunities offered by the development of artificial intelligence," he concluded.
